The Moreau community opens its doors to share the Christmas spirit through visual and performing arts. The Visual Arts DepartmentÕs Winter Art Show, ÒThe World is Full of Color,Ó will include a sampling of visual arts classes that Moreau has to offer, including all levels and all media, from ceramics to digital photography and from Freshman year to Advanced Placement material. The theme ÒcolorÓ represents the diversity of the visual artists at Moreau and their unique points of view and references. You will come away with a sense of inspiration from the ways that students interpret the world around them.

Moreau CatholicÕs special celebration of Christmas will showcase 85 dancers performing in a variety of styles, from ballet to jazz and modern to ballroom and featuring music ranging from HandelÕs ÒMessiahÓ to songs from ÒHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasÓ and the cast of ÒGlee!Ó Moreau boasts the first and only Honors Dance class in the State of California meeting the standards of the University of California system and is one of very few high schools in the United States to boast a four-year comprehensive dance program. It is also is the only high school to have a UC approved honors dance course. The program is under the direction of Angela Demmel, who also chairs the entire Visual and Performing Arts program.

The Band & Orchestral ÒWinter ConcertÓ includes a creative mix of Christmas classics, such as ÒTidings of Comfort and Joy,Ó in addition to fresh new pieces, to expose us to a wider palette of holiday traditions from around the world, including ÒAfrican Bell SongÓ and ÒLa Media Noche,Ó from Puerto Rico. Under the direction of Ted Newton, six instrumental music classes will perform, in addition to our support school honor band, with over 160 students performing. The award-winning program has performed around the world, ranging from Orlando and New Orleans to Vancouver, Canada, and Funabashi, Japan.

Moreau Jazz EnsembleÕs ÒWinter Jazz Big Band ConcertÓ will include compositions by John Coltrane, Les Hooper, and Mike Tomaro. Jazz styles to include be-bop, swing, and shuffle. The jazz ensemble has received awards at jazz festivals in Folsom, Santa Cruz, Orlando, and New Orleans, and has traveled both nationally and internationally. Ted Newton directs.

The Choral DepartmentÕs ÒReviving the Christmas Spirit in SongÓ is sure to set the tone for the holidays ahead, with a wide variety of selections. Directed by Scott Barton, MoreauÕs award-winning choral program is part of why Moreau has been dubbed a ÒSchool of the Arts.Ó

Brian CopelandÕs gem, ÒThe Jewelry Box,Ó opened recently at The Marsh in the Mission District of San Francisco. The play will be coming to Moreau for a very special, exclusive event! Receiving rave reviews from critics, this event will provide a meaningful way to gather family and friends during the holiday season (recommended age 12 and up). The story is a Christmas memoir and prequel to CopelandÕs first acclaimed solo play, ÒNot A Genuine Black Man,Ó the longest running one-man play in San Francisco theater history!

Copeland (Moreau, Class of Ô82) is a person who defines the term Òversatile performer.Ó This comedian, writer, television host, talk radio host and commentator has received public and critical acclaim for years. CopelandÕs unique ability to hilariously cut to the heart of some of our most serious social and political problems has earned him spots as the opening act for such diverse artists as Bill Cosby, Ray Charles, Dionne Warwick, Donna Summer, Al Jarreau, Ringo Starr, Manhattan Transfer, Dana Carvey, Kevin Pollack, Rick Springfield, Lou Rawls, Patti La Bell, Etta James, Gregory Hines, The Temptations, and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.